Newly Named School of Communications Design Recognizes Klein Family Endowment

Category: Noteworthy

l. to r.: Jennifer and husband Michael Klein with Anna and husband Daniel Klein at the Oct. 10 event celebrating the naming of the Klein Family School of Communications Design; photography: Jim Burger

The Klein family has a long and successful history at the University of Baltimore. Philip Klein, B.S. ’38, earned a degree in business administration, while his son Michael Klein, B.A. ’76, graduated with a degree in English. Michael’s daughter Rachel Klein, B.A. ’00, followed in her father’s footsteps and also earned a degree in English. Daniel Klein, Philip’s grandson and Michael’s nephew, is a member of the UB Foundation Board of Directors.

For more than two decades, the Klein Family Fund—an endowment supported by both Michael Klein and the Philip and Harriet Klein Foundation—has contributed to an ongoing reading series in the M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts program that brings renowned writers, literary agents and others from the world of literature to campus for evenings of entertainment and education. And even before the fund’s establishment, Philip Klein began supporting UB in the ’70s through personal donations.

Last fall, the University introduced the Klein Family School of Communications Design, renaming an existing school within the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences in recognition of another gift from Michael Klein and the Philip and Harriet Klein Foundation. Together, Klein and the Pikesville, Maryland-based foundation pledged a gift of $1.5 million to the school, endowed income from which will be used to support academic development.

On Oct. 10, the University celebrated the naming with the unveiling of two plaques in the lobby of the Liberal Arts and Policy Building, home to the Klein Family School of Communications Design. Michael Klein and his wife, Jennifer, attended, as did Daniel Klein, trustee of the Philip and Harriet Klein Foundation, and his wife, Anna. Rachel Klein also attended along with other family and friends.

The Klein Family School of Communications Design serves as UB’s hub for undergraduate and graduate programs in design and communications, including its Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Digital Communication and Integrated Arts and its graduate Publications Design, Creative Writing & Publishing Arts and Integrated Design programs as well as a master’s-level Certificate in Digital Communication.